Abstract:
Background: One of the most important tuberculosis control action is the early detection, especially of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Cultural methods
remain the golden standard for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. The microscopic identification of acid-fast-bacilli in sputum is still a worldwide used
method for TB detection. The low sensibility of conventional microscopic methods endangers the actual epidemiological situation. Starting with 2012,
the genetic-molecular technology – Xpert MTB/RIF Assay - was implemented in the Republic of Moldova. The assessment of initial experience of Xpert
MTB/RIF Assay is compulsory for improving the early case detection. The aim of the study is the assessment of extrinsic factors predictable in positive
Xpert MTB/RIF patients.
Material and methods: A retrospective, selective, descriptive and case-control study was performed. There were enrolled 361 new pulmonary tuberculosis
patients, diagnosed and hospitalized in the Muncipal Clinical Hospital of Phthysiopneumology of Chisinau in the period of 01.01.2014 - 01.01.2015. The
patients were disributed into 2 groups: I - 174 patients with positive Xpert MTB/RIF Assay result; II - 187 patients with negative Xpert MTB/RIF Assay
result. Investigations were performed according to the National Clinical Protocol – 123 Tuberculosis in adults.
results: The male gender was predominating above the female gender in both groups: 67,8% vs 32,2% in the 1st group and 55,6% vs 44,4% in the 2nd group.
According to the economical status, disadvantaged patients were predominating in the 1st group (71,3%), as compared with the 2nd group (50.8%), with
the degree of concludence, p<0,001. The hystory of household TB contact was predominating in the 1st group – 17,2% vs 9,1% in the 2nd group, (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF Assay improves the early TB detection and the prompt initiation of an adequate treatment regimen,
according to the susceptibility testing results.
